Articles in this Cluster
13-12-2025
US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin to discuss the latest round of high-level talks on ending the Ukraine war. The Trump administration is pushing for a deal by Christmas, with a proposed peace agreement that includes Ukraine's army pulling out of the Donbas region and turning it into a 'special economic zone'. Zelensky has reacted sceptically to the proposal, questioning what would restrain Russia from advancing. Meanwhile, the EU has agreed to freeze Russian assets worth €210bn, which could be loaned back to Ukraine if a deal is reached.
Entities: Steve Witkoff, Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, Ukraine, Russia • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-12-2025
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned members of the 32-member transatlantic alliance that they could be Russia's next target amid rising tensions. Rutte emphasized the need for unity and increased defense spending to counter Russia's aggressive actions, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent security incidents in Eastern Europe. He urged allies to boost defense spending and production, warning that Moscow could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.
Entities: NATO, Russia, Mark Rutte, Ukraine, Munich Security Conference • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-12-2025
The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in 12 million people being displaced, making it the world's largest displacement crisis. Despite the severity of the situation, the conflict has received relatively little international attention compared to other global crises such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The conflict began in April 2023 when an alliance between Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) collapsed. The RSF has been accused of committing grave human rights violations, including mass rape, ethnic targeting, and systematic looting. The international community, including the Trump administration, has called for a ceasefire and an investigation into the crimes committed during the conflict. The situation remains dire, with estimates suggesting that up to 400,000 people have been killed and over 30 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Entities: Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, Rep. Chris Smith, House Foreign Affairs Africa subcommittee • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-12-2025
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed skepticism about using frozen Russian assets to fund a loan for Ukraine, citing concerns over liability and the need for a European solution. De Wever met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the proposal, which involves using €190bn worth of Russian assets held in Belgium. De Wever emphasized the need for mutualization of risk and a collective European approach, stating that he is 'loyally pro Ukraine' but also heavily exposed to the liabilities of such an operation. The EU has frozen Russia's assets in Europe, and European Council president Antonio Costa said members were close to greenlighting the proposal.
Entities: Bart De Wever, Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, European Union • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
13-12-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism over a new US peace proposal for Ukraine, which involves creating a 'free economic zone' in the contested Donbas region. Zelenskyy questioned who would govern the zone and how Russia could be prevented from seizing it. The proposal is part of a revised peace plan that Ukraine has been drafting in response to the US-proposed plan, which initially included Ukraine withdrawing from areas of Donbas it currently controls. Zelenskyy has sent a revised 20-point plan to Washington, but the US has expressed impatience, with the White House stating that President Trump is 'extremely frustrated' with both sides and won't attend further meetings until there's a real chance of signing a peace deal.
Entities: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine, Russia, Donbas, United States • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
